The competition for Tulane's starting quarterback position is underway and Curtis Johnson singled out both senior Nick Montana and redshirt freshman Tanner Lee as players that stood out as fall practice got underway for the Green Wave on Monday afternoon.

With construction on Yulman Stadium not complete, Tulane had a closed practice to the media at the Saints practice facility.

"I thought it was really good," Johnson said. "Nick Montana practiced really well. So did Tanner Lee. Devin (Powell) had to leave early. We're still getting his classroom stuff together. I thought they practiced real well. They were really crisp. Not very many mistakes."

Johnson also lauded the ability of a trio of freshman wide receivers in the newly reinstated Teddy Veal, Terren Encalade and Leondre James. The three Louisiana products – Veal of West Jefferson, Encalade of Belle Chasse and James of Donaldsonville – bring an element of speed that Johnson said the Green Wave was missing last season.

"That's what you want," Montana said. "You can give them a short pass and they can do something crazy and take it all the way for you. There's nothing better than throwing a slant and having them take it to the house."

Montana finds himself in a battle for the starting position with Lee and Powell and was listed behind both quarterbacks on Tulane's post-spring depth chart.

Montana threw for 1,717 yards and 14 touchdowns last year while battling a shoulder injury for the better part of the season while Powell threw for 681 yards and five touchdowns.

"It's the same as last year," Montana said. "You have to get better every day and you can't focus on all of the other things."

One thing that is different from last year is the inclusion of Lee, a Jesuit graduate who redshirted last season.

Lee was listed in the top spot on the post-spring depth chart and was excited to get back on the field with his teammates Monday.

"Getting back out there and going full speed with all of the receivers felt great," Lee said. "I've been waiting to back out there on the field since the bowl game. As far as the competition goes, you have to get out there and work. Each guy kind of feeds off each other.

"Every man has to go out there and do his job and let the chips fall where they may. You have to stay in meetings, stay up on other players and show you can be a leader."